Two-factor Repeated Measures ANOVA Research Articles

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from a submaximal 20-m shuttle-run test accurately predict children's VO2peak, but when should we stop the test?

The purpose of the study was to explore the validity, test-retest reliability and affective responses of a submaximal 20-m shuttle-run test (20mSRT) stopped at 6 on the Eston-Parfitt (EP) scale. The secondary aim was to examine and compare two submaximal 20mSRT protocols with different RPE end points (EP6 vs. EP7) using previously published data. Twenty-five children (16 boys; 13.4 ± 1.0years; 162.1 ± 8.7cm; 49.1 ± 6.6kg) completed three exercise tests (graded exercise test [GXT], 2 submaximal 20mSRT). The EP scale and Feeling scale were used to measure RPE and affect, respectively. The two submaximal 20mSRTs were stopped after participants reported EP6. Individual speed-RPE relationships from the submaximal 20mSRTs were linearly regressed to predict peak speed and then used to estimate VO2peak. Previously published data (n = 25) used comparable methods, except that the participants stopped at EP7. In the EP6 protocol, a two-factor repeated measures ANOVA revealed non-significant Test and Sex main effects (p > 0.05). Reliability analysis revealed intraclass correlation coefficient of ~ 0.7 (95%CI [0.432,0.867], p < 0.001) between the submaximal 20mSRTs. Significant differences in end-test affect between the GXT and submaximal 20mSRTs were found (p < 0.001), with GXT more negative. ANOVA revealed no significant differences in end-test affect between EP6 and EP7 protocols; however, frequency count analysis revealed EP6 to result in more positive end-test affect. Submaximal 20mSRT utilising RPE may offer valid predictions in VO2peak while minimising negative affect. Test end points of EP6 and EP7 both offer valid predictions in VO2peak. EP6 may be more beneficial in avoiding negative affect, even though a reduction in test-retest reliability was observed.

High Tibial Osteotomy Alone Does Not Decrease Medial Meniscus Extrusion in the Setting of Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tear: A Cadaveric Study

PurposeThis study investigated whether inducing valgus alignment and shifting the load laterally through high tibial osteotomy (HTO) alone decreases the extent of medial meniscus extrusion (MME) in the setting of medial meniscus posterior root tear(MMPRT) using ultrasound evaluation. MethodsEight fresh-frozen human cadaveric knee specimens were tested using a six-degree-of-freedom robotic testing system and ultrasound. Each specimen was tested in five conditions: (1) intact, (2) MMPRT, (3) medial meniscus repair (MMR), (4) combined medial open-wedge HTO + MMR, and (5) HTO + MMPRT. Measurements were obtained over the medial collateral ligament (MCL, central image) and posterior to the MCL (posterior image) with a 250 N axial load at 0°, 30°, and 90° of knee flexion. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA. ResultsMME was significantly greater in HTO + MMPRT(0°: 2.44 ± 0.41mm, 30°: 2.47 ± 0.37mm, 90°: 2.41 ± 0.28mm) than HTO + MMR in central images (mean difference +0.83 mm, p < .001). No significant difference was found between HTO + MMPRT and MMPRT in MME . MMR had significantly less MME than MMPRT (mean difference -0.58mm, p < .001, posterior image at 0°and central image at 90°, p=.002). HTO + MMR showed significantly less MME than MMR alone at 30° and 90° knee flexion in central image (30°: -0.38 ± 0.05mm, 90°: -0.45 ± 0.06mm, p < .001) and 90° knee flexion in posterior image (-0.38 ± 0.08mm, p = .004). ConclusionHTO alone did not decrease MME in the setting of MMPRT, while MMR alone decrease MME after MMPRT. Additionally, HTO + MMR decreases MME aftrer MMPRT compared to MMR alone, although the clinical significance was uncertain. Clinical RelevanceThe findings of this study provide clinicians with valuable insights for improving MME. HTO alone does not decrease MME in cases of MMPRT.

Impact of endolymphatic hydrops on the function of the horizontal canal during caloric stimulation in Ménière's disease.

When a dizzy patient with episodic vertigo has an abnormal caloric and a normal video head impulse test (vHIT), this caloric-vHIT dissociation provides vital information for a diagnosis of Ménière's disease (MD). Endolymphatic hydrops (EH), a histological marker of MD, is hypothesized to be involved in the caloric-vHIT dissociation in MD through hydropic duct distension of the horizontal semicircular canal (SC). This study was designed to determine the impact of EH on the function of horizontal SC during caloric stimulation. Caloric test and vHIT were used to evaluate the function of horizontal SC every six months, annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the degree of EH size in the vestibule, and monthly vertigo and hearing evaluation was done for 12months. EH shrinkage was defined as the size change of vestibular EH from significant to none. Among 133 MD patients evaluated for eligibility, 67 patients with caloric-vHIT dissociation entered the study. Fifteen participants had EH shrinkage (G-I), while 52 participants had no remarkable EH change (G-II). Average values (IQR) of the maximum slow phase velocity in G-I and G-II were 29.6 (13.0-34.0) and 25.9 (17.3-31.3), respectively, at baseline, 26.1 (9.0-38.0) and 23.6 (18.0-28.3) at 12months. Two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant differences between the groups (P = 0.486). The values of vestibulo-ocular reflex gain of the horizontal SC in G-I and G-II remained above 0.8 during the study period. EH detected by MRI shows limited correlation with caloric stimulation results.

Cerebral blood flow responses to hyperoxia: exploring sex differences

Background: The administration of oxygen-rich gas (hyperoxia), is a common treatment in clinical medicine and various military occupations. Hyperoxia reduces cerebral blood flow (CBF), however, there exists substantial variability in the magnitude of its effect (0-33%), as well as an uncertainty regarding the role that hypocapnia may play in this vasoconstriction. Interestingly, hyperoxic vasoconstriction appears to be mediated by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. To our knowledge, no studies have directly assessed whether CBF regulation during hyperoxia is sex-specific. This is important since young females are broadly predicted to exhibit lower ROS stress and/or greater antioxidant capacity than males. Therefore, men and women may be differentially impacted. This led us to hypothesize hyperoxia will decrease CBF less in females than males. Methods: Healthy, young adults (n= 17; 7 F; 20 ± 6 yr; BMI: 20.7 ± 5) were studied after an 8 hour fast and 24 hours without caffeine or alcohol. Women were studied on days 1-5 of menstrual cycle. Subjects completed a single magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visit. 2D phase contrast (2D PC) MRI was conducted to quantify flow through both internal carotid and vertebral arteries during normoxia, and then repeated during steady-state hyperoxia with subjects breathing 100% O 2 . Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) was supplemented to maintain end-tidal CO 2 (ETCO 2 ) during hyperoxia. CBF was analyzed as absolute flow (mL/min), total change (ΔmL/min), and percent change (% ΔmL/min). In a subset (n=10; 3 F), arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI was added to explore regional effects on perfusion (mL/100g/min) for an additional 5 mins of hyperoxia. The CAT12 toolbox extension for SPM12 was used to process ASL data. Significance was determined using a two-factor repeated measures ANOVA and was set at p≤0.05. Results: Results are mean±SD. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and ETCO 2 were similar between sexes and did not change between normoxia and hyperoxia (p&gt;0.05). When analyzing neck arteries using 2D PC MRI, hyperoxia did not have a significant effect on CBF (p&gt;0.1), and there was no differential effect between sexes (p&gt;0.1). In contrast, ASL data indicated hyperoxia significantly reduced perfusion in both sexes in all regions analyzed (gray matter, white matter, middle frontal gyrus, frontal operculum, anterior orbital gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, medial frontal cortex, accumbens area, and medial orbital gyrus (p≤0.013)). There was a trend towards a significantly smaller reduction in females in all regions (p≤0.101) except the anterior orbital gyrus (p=0.329). Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis, the CBF response to hyperoxia did not differ between men and women when examining the macrovasculature that supply blood to the brain. However, the smaller hyperoxic reductions in regional perfusion in females indicate that hyperoxia constriction may be sex-specific at the microvasculature level. NIH R01 HL150361 This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The immediate effects of two pilates exercises with and without a foam roller on abdominal muscle activity

Pilates can be defined as exercises which are floor-based or use specialized equipment to provide resistance. The use of foam rollers (FR) have been purported to improve the recruitment of core muscles by creating an unstable surface, providing improvements to balance, posture and functional recovery in daily activities. However, there is a paucity of studies exploring the use of FR as an unstable surface. The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects on the recruitment of core muscles during two Pilates exercises, a single leg stretch (SL) and single straight leg stretch (SS), on the ground and using a FR as an unstable surface. Thirty women aged between 25 and 35 years old who had not previously practiced Pilates participated in this study. Surface EMG signals were collected from rectus abdominis (RA) and external oblique (EO) muscles during an isometric contraction lasting 30 s during the exercises. Two-factor Repeated Measures ANOVA tests with post hoc pairwise comparisons were used to investigate the muscle activity between the two stretching exercises when performed on the ground and using the FR. No significant interaction effects were seen between the two exercises and positions, and no main effects were seen for either factor. These findings do not indicate the influence of the surface (ground versus FR) or exercise (SL versus SS) on the muscle activity of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles when considering the immediate effects. Future studies should consider the effects over a longer time period.

The influence of foundation restoration type and ceramic thickness on the final color of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic

Background: Similarity in the appearance of a monolithic restoration with the adjacent teeth is necessary. This study aims to influence the foundation material type and ceramic thickness on the final color of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramic. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the A2 translucent blocks of ZLS were sectioned into rectangular specimens with thicknesses 1, 1.5, and 2 mm (n = 15). Substructure materials include resin composite (B1, D2, A2, A3, and C3), nickel chrome alloy, amalgam, and white and black substrate. Substructure material of resin composite with A2 color was proposed as the control group. The value of the color difference (ΔE00) is calculated by the CIEDE2000 formula. Data analysis was accomplished by two-factor repeated measures ANOVA and one-sample t-test (α =0.05). Results: The mean value of maximum ΔE00 with a black substrate (12.13 ± 0.17) at 1 mm ceramic thickness and the mean value of minimum ΔE00 with B1 resin composite foundation material (0.02 ± 0.17) at 2 mm ceramic thickness are visible. The significant effect of the foundation restoration type, thickness, and interaction between them is visible on ΔE00 (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Different thickness is required to meet ideal esthetic outcomes with different substrates. Under the conditions of this investigation, zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate over black, white, nickel–chromium, and amalgam did not meet acceptable outcomes.

Characteristics of the Distance and Space Required for Knife Slashing Using a Motion Capture System.

To investigate the relationship between the perpetrator's sex, victim's position and slashing location as well as anthropometric parameters on distance and space required for slashing, to provide the theoretical basis for the judgment of whether the crime scene was consistent with the criminal activity space. The kinematics data of 12 male and 12 female subjects slashing the neck of standing and supine mannequins as well as the chest of the standing mannequins with a kitchen knife were obtained by using a 3D motion capture system. The relationship between the perpetrator's sex-victim's position, the perpetrator's sex-slashing location, and anthropometric parameters and the distance and space required for the slashing were analyzed by two-factor repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis respectively. Compared with slashing the neck of supine mannequins, the distance (L) and normalized L (l) of slashing the neck of standing mannequins were greater, while vertical distance (LVR) and normalized LVR (lVR) of the knife side were smaller. Compared with slashing the neck of standing mannequins, the L and l slashing the chest of standing mannequins were greater, while LVR and lVR were smaller. Horizontal distance (LHR) and normalized LHR (lHR) of the knife side in males were greater than that in females. Height and arm length were positively correlated with L, LHR, and LVR when striking the standing mannequins. When slashing the neck of supine or standing victims, the slashing distance is shorter and the slashing height is greater. Furthermore, the distance and space required for slashing are correlate with anthropometric parameters.

Resistance Exercise Training Increases Muscle Mass and Strength in Prostate Cancer Patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

This study aimed to assess the effects of 20 wk resistance exercise training with or without protein supplementation on body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, physical performance, and aerobic capacity in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Sixty prostate cancer patients receiving ADT were randomly assigned to perform 20 wk of resistance exercise training with supplementation of 31 g whey protein (EX + PRO, n = 30) or placebo (EX + PLA, n = 30), consumed immediately after exercise and every night before sleep. A separate control group (CON, n = 36) only received usual care. At baseline and after 20 wk, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), muscle mass (computed tomography scan), muscle strength (1-repetition maximum strength tests), physical performance (Timed Up and Go Test, 30-Second Chair Stand Test, and Stair Climb Test), aerobic capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise test), and habitual dietary intake (food diary) were assessed. Data were analyzed using a two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA. Over time, muscle mass and strength increased in EX + PRO and EX + PLA and decreased in CON. Total fat mass and fat percentage increased in EX + PRO and CON, but not in EX + PLA. Physical performance did not significantly change over time in either group. Aerobic capacity was maintained in EX + PLA, but it decreased in EX + PRO and CON. Habitual protein intake (without supplements) averaged >1.0 g·kg body weight -1 ·d -1 , with no differences over time or between groups. In prostate cancer patients, resistance exercise training counteracts the adverse effects of ADT on body composition, muscle mass, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, with no additional benefits of protein supplementation.

Neuromuscular Fatigue and Metabolic Stress during the 15 Minutes of Rest after Carrying Out a Bench Press Exercise Protocol.

Simple SummaryVelocity loss can help to determine neuromuscular fatigue after carrying out an exercise protocol with a load that is initially moved at a mean propulsive velocity of 1 m·s−1. Few studies have measured the time required to recover the pre-exercise velocity values after performing an exercise, with the aim of knowing the optimal recovery times. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse muscular fatigue and metabolic stress during the 15 min that follow the execution of a bench press exercise protocol. The results show that mean propulsive velocity was recovered from minute 10 of rest; however, the blood lactate levels were still high (>5 mmol·L−1). Therefore, although the capacity to apply a maximum mean propulsive velocity peak was recovered, the same could not be said for the capacity to maintain those strength levels to reproduce another exercise protocol involving the same muscle groups. Moreover, analysing the velocities and metabolic stress before and after the exercise protocol by different strength level groups, similar results were obtained.Background: Velocity loss (VL) at 1 m·s−1 can help to determine neuromuscular fatigue after performing an exercise protocol. The aim of this study was to analyse muscle fatigue and metabolic stress during the 15 min that follow the execution of a bench press (BP) exercise protocol. Methods: Forty-four healthy male students of sports science performed two exercise sessions separated by one week of rest. In the first week, the participants carried out a test with progressive loads in the (BP) exercise until reaching the one-repetition maximum (1RM) in order to obtain the load–velocity relationship of each participant. In the second week, each participant conducted three BP exercise sets at an intensity of 70% of 1RM, determining this load through the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) obtained from the individual load–velocity relationship, with the participants performing the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) to muscle failure. Two minutes of rest were allocated between sets. MPV at 1 m·s−1 and blood lactate concentrations were recorded before executing the exercise and at minute 0, 5, 10 and 15 after performing the exercise protocol. Results: A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA was performed. MPV at 1 m·s−1 in minute 0 post-exercise was −33.3% (p < 0.05), whereas in minute 10 and 15 post-exercise, it was ≈−9% (p > 0.05). Regarding the blood lactate levels, significant differences were observed in all measurements before and after the exercise protocol (p < 0.001), obtaining ≈7 mmol·L−1 at minute 10 post-exercise and 4.3 mmol·L−1 after 15 min of recovery. Conclusions: MPV with medium or moderate loads shows a certain recovery from minute 10 of rest. However, the blood lactate levels are still high (>5 mmol·L−1). Therefore, although there seem to be certain conditions to reach a similar maximum MPV peak, the residual fatigue at the neuromuscular level and the non-recovery of metabolic homeostasis would hinder the reproduction of these protocols, both at the level of applied stimulus and from a methodological perspective, since a long recovery time would be required between sets and exercises.

Effects of moderate-intensity exercise on social health and physical and mental health of methamphetamine-dependent individuals: A randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveMethamphetamine (MA)-dependent individuals’ health problems are widespread and need to be solved urgently. Exercise is considered a potential treatment for MA dependents. The study aimed to determine the effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise on the social, physical, and mental health of MA-dependent individuals.Materials and methodsSixty MA-dependent individuals were randomly assigned into two groups. Subjects in the exercise group (n = 30) received an exercise intervention five days a week for 60 min each for 12 weeks. Subjects in the control group (n = 30) received regular corrective rehabilitation without exercise in the same setting. Outcome measures, including questionnaires [quality of life scale for drug addiction (QOL-DA), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)] and physical fitness, were arranged the day before the start of the intervention and the day after the end of the intervention. Two-factor repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the treatment differences between the two groups.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of the intervention period, social health was significantly improved in the exercise group (P < 0.01), and there was a statistically significant difference in mental health scores between exercise group and control group, with a greater impact in exercise group.(Psychology: P < 0.01; SAS: P < 0.01; SDS: P < 0.01; PSQI: P < 0.01), physical health improved in the exercise group, physiology (P < 0.01), symptom (P < 0.01), heart rate (P < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.01), vital capacity (P < 0.05), grip (P < 0.01), vertical jump (P < 0.001), sit and reach (P < 0.01), 50-meter run (P < 0.01), and reaction time (P < 0.01).ConclusionAerobic exercise intervention is an effective treatment for MA-dependent individuals, and the 12-week intervention improved the social, physical, and mental health of MA-dependent individuals. We recommend that future studies focus more on drug-dependent individuals’ overall health status rather than just relapse.Clinical trial registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=131048], identifier [ChiCTR2200055348].

Kinematic Differences Between Landing Phase During Double And Single Leg Jumping Tasks

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk is often examined using the initial landing/takeoff phase following a drop off a box during a drop vertical jump (DVJ) task, while the second landing after maximum jump is not typically examined. As ACL injuries are frequently sustained during similar rapid deceleration maneuvers, the second landing during a DVJ and a single leg countermovement (SLC) jump may better simulate injury risk mechanics. PURPOSE: To investigate differences between landing phases during double and single leg jumping tasks. METHODS: 15 collegiate basketball players (height: 180.8 ± 14.0 cm, mass: 80.8 ± 19.0 kg) completed 3 DVJ and 3 maximum SLC jumps on each limb. Takeoff phase (TO) was defined as the first jump/landing and the landing phase (LN) was defined as the second landing for each task. High performance (HP) side was determined as the limb with the highest SLC jump compared to the low performance (LP) side. Standard 3D motion analysis was used to determine joint kinematics at peak knee flexion during each phase. A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05) was used to determine differences between phase (TO, LN) and side (HP, LP). RESULTS: A main effect of phase during the DVJ was found for knee flexion (p < 0.001, TO: -83.1 ± 10.6°, LN: -68.6 ± 10.8°), knee abduction (p = 0.004, TO: -7.4 ± 5.2°, LN: -4.7 ± 4.9°), and hip flexion (p < 0.001, TO: 60.5 ± 11.7°, LN: 37.3 ± 13.1°) with a significant interaction between phase and side for hip adduction (p = 0.015). During the SLC jump, a main effect of phase was found for knee (p = 0.002, TO: -66.2 ± 8.7°, LN: -58.3 ± 10.8°) and hip (p = 0.005, TO: 48.7 ± 15.1°, LN: 35.4 ± 10.0°) flexion. A main effect of side was found for hip adduction (p = 0.029, HP: 5.3 ± 6.5°, LP: 8.4 ± 6.7°). No significant main effects were present for knee abduction during the SLC (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Collegiate basketball players exhibit greater knee and hip flexion and knee abduction during the initial land of the DVJ compared to the landing following maximum jump. Similarly, players also exhibit greater knee and hip flexion during the takeoff phase of a single leg task compared to the landing. However, they exhibit lower hip adduction on their higher performing limb. Between phase differences of each task outline the importance of identifying high-risk mechanics during both takeoff and landing.

Asymmetry In Single Leg Vertical Countermovement Hop Kinematics In Collegiate Female Soccer Players

Multidirectional sports such as soccer have a high incidence rate of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Asymmetries between limb have been linked to such non-contact injuries, thereby outlining the importance of screening measures that may identify at-risk groups. Specifically, tasks such as a vertical single leg countermovement (SLC) jump can provide an objective measure of frontal and sagittal plane asymmetries. PURPOSE: To identify lower limb asymmetries during a SLC jump. METHODS: 25 collegiate female soccer players (height: 167.4 ± 6.0 cm, mass: 67.16 ± 6.6 kg) completed 3 maximum SLC jumps on each limb. The side with the highest average jump height was defined as the high performance (HP) side and compared to the low performance side (LP). An 8 camera markerless motion capture system was utilized to analyze kinematic data at peak knee flexion during both the takeoff (TO) and landing (LN) phase using advanced machine learning. Force platforms measured the peak takeoff and landing vertical ground reaction force (GRF). A two-factor repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05) was used to determine differences between side (HP, LP) and phase (TO, LN) during the SLC task. RESULTS: 52% of the players had greater jump performance on their preferred kicking side. A main effect of side (p = 0.035) and phase (p < 0.001) was found for knee flexion (HP: TO 67.2 ± 7.2°, LN 60.5 ± 10.8°; LP: TO 65.0 ± 6.5°, LN 58.8 ± 7.2°). Likewise, a main effect of side (p < 0.001) and phase (p < 0.001) was found for GRF (HP: TO 1373 ± 236 N, LN 2238 ± 435 N; LP: TO 1341 ± 224 N, LN 2088 ± 280 N). A phase main effect was found for both hip flexion (p = 0.002) (HP: TO 49.8 ± 10.9°, LN 42.5 ± 11.9°; LP: TO 50.8 ± 10.1°, LN 41.0 ± 12.8°) and adduction (p = <0.001) (HP: TO 8.1 ± 4.4°, LN 5.5 ± 4.9°; LP: TO 8.7 ± 3.8°, LN 5.1 ± 5.7°). Significant main effects were not present for knee abduction (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Collegiate female soccer players demonstrate greater knee and hip flexion and hip adduction occur during the take-off phase of the single leg vertical jump compared to the landing phase. Additionally, the leg with greater performance has increased knee flexion during both take-off and landing which corresponds to greater peak force. These identified asymmetries between phase and limb could be considered important factors in monitoring potentially at-risk populations.

0791 Perceived racial discrimination predicts poor PAP adherence: a pilot study

Abstract Introduction Although racial and ethnic differences in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are well known, no studies have examined the influence of racial discrimination on CPAP use. The aim of this study was to determine if racial discrimination influenced CPAP use trajectories. Methods Participants with OSA initiating CPAP were enrolled from two sleep centers in New York City. Participants completed questionnaires including sociodemographics, perceived discrimination, daytime sleepiness, and depressive symptoms. Racial discrimination was measured via the validated Everyday Discrimination scale (EDS) , Participants endorsed at least one discriminatory experience “at least once a year” and race was the main reason for this treatment. Sociodemographic and questionnaire comparison were performed between participants reporting the presence and absence of racial discrimination. To examine differences in the trajectory of CPAP use based on racial discrimination status (between-subjects factor), we performed a two-factor repeated measures ANOVA with mean hours of daily use at 7, 30 and 90 days serving as the time dependent variable (within-subjects factor). Analyses were adjusted for depressive symptoms. Results The sample consisted of 88 participants (40% female; 40% Non-Hispanic Black; mean age of 57 ± 14 yrs). Twenty-two individuals (25% of the cohort) reported racial discrimination. In unadjusted two-factor repeated measures ANOVA, the test statistic for equality of racial discrimination CPAP adherence means over time was highly significant [ F = 9.71 (1, 68); p = 0.003] while the test for interaction between racial discrimination and time was marginally significant [F = 3.19 (1.53, 103.8); p = 0.059). Main effects for time were significant for participants reporting discrimination (p=0.04) but not for those without racial discrimination experiences (p=0.25). Thus, people reporting racial discrimination experienced greater decrement in CPAP use over time while a more stable CPAP use pattern was observed in those not perceiving racial discrimination. Conclusion Racial discrimination status may determine future poor CPAP adherence. Larger studies examining mechanisms of how perceived racial discrimination mediates worse CPAP adherence may assist in mitigating CPAP adherence disparities. Support (If Any) Natasha Williams was supported by grant from the National Institutes of Health: K23125939

Sparing submandibular gland to alleviating acute xerostomia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with helical tomotherapy: Evaluation by diffusion kurtosis imaging

PurposeTo identify the clinical significance of sparing submandibular glands (SMG) for the amelioration of acute xerostomia using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with helical tomotherapy (HT). Materials and methodsThe prospective study enrolled 42 participants treated with HT. All patients underwent five times of DKI scans before HT (pre-HT), in the middle of the HT course (mid-HT), immediately after HT (post-HT), and 1 months (1m-HT), 3 months post-HT(3m-HT). Mean diffusion (MD) and mean kurtosis (MK) of SMG, parotid glands (PG) and sublingual glands (SLG), saliva flow rate measures under resting (uSFR) and stimulated condition (sSFR), and xerostomia questionnaire scores (XQ) were recorded. Comparisons between the SMG-spared and -unspared groups were analyzed using two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA for the group as the inter-subject factor and the time as the intra-subject factor. ResultsWhen sparing SMG, the dose of spared-SMG and ipsilateral SLG was lower compared to that of unspared glands (p < 0.001). MD of spared-SMG and ipsilateral SLG in SMG-spared group were lower than that of SMG-unspared group (the simple effect for the group, p-value at mid-HT, post-HT, 1m- and 3m-HT was 0.014, 0.011, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively), MK of spared-SMG was higher conversely (the main effect for the group, p < 0.001), while uSFR and sSFR were significantly lower in SMG-unspared group (the main effect for the group, p = 0.002, and p = 0.045, respectively). No significant differences were detected in MK of SLG, MD/MK of PG, and XQ between the two groups (the main effect for the group, p values were 0.9, 0.37, 0.15, 0.86, respectively). There were significant differences in the effect of the time for all MD/MK of the salivary glands and for uSFR, sSFR, and XQ between the SMG-spared and -unspared groups (p values were all <0.001). ConclusionSparing SMG is of great clinical significance in alleviating acute xerostomia for NPC patients treated by helical tomotherapy as evaluated by diffusion kurtosis imaging and saliva flow rate.

Altitude and Endurance Performance in Altitude Natives versus Lowlanders: Insights from Professional Cycling.

Acute altitude exposure influences exercise performance, although most research, especially regarding altitude natives, comes from laboratory data in nonathletes. We analyzed the influence of altitude on real-world cycling performance in top-level professional cyclists attending to whether they were altitude natives or not. Thirty-three male cyclists (29 ± 5 yr) were studied and were classified as lowlanders (n = 19) or altitude natives (n = 14) attending to the altitude of their place of birth (431 ± 380 and 2583 ± 334 meters above sea level (m a.s.l.), respectively). Both groups included top 3 finishers (including winners) in the general classification of Grand Tours and major races. Using data from both training and competitions during years 2013-2020 (8 ± 5 seasons per cyclist), we registered participants' mean maximal power (MMP) for efforts lasting 5 s, 30 s, 5 min, and 10 min, respectively, at altitudes ranging from 0-500 to >2000 m a.s.l. A significant altitude-MMP interaction effect (two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA) was found in lowlanders (P < 0.001) but not in altitude natives (P = 0.150). In lowlanders, individual performance decreased in a dose-response manner with increasing altitudes compared with sea (or near-sea) level (0-500 m a.s.l.), whereas this trend was much less evident in natives. A significant altitude-MMP-group effect was found (P < 0.001), with nonsignificant (and overall trivial-to-small differences) between lowlanders and altitude natives for any effort duration at altitudes ≤1500 m a.s.l. but with significant differences at higher altitudes (≥1501 m a.s.l.). Acute altitude exposure influences real-world performance differently in low landers and altitude natives, which might confer a competitive advantage to the latter, particularly in races including efforts at >1500 m a.s.l.

The Impact of Couple Therapy Based on Relationship Enrichment Approach on Couples’ Intimacy and Sexual Function

Background: Intimacy is one of the basic and psychological needs of couples and is a motivating factor in their sexual participation. Objectives: To determine the impact of couple therapy based on the relationship enrichment approach on the intimacy and sexual function of the couples consulting healthcare centers. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study and was performed on 60 couples referring to Comprehensive Health Centers in the southeast of Iran in 2020. The research instruments included a demographic information questionnaire, three standard questionnaires of intimacy and sexual function of men and women. The educational content was implemented only for the intervention group. Data were collected at baseline, 8th week, and 12th week after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-factor repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS (ver. 21) software. Results: The results showed that the intervention had a significant effect on sexual function and intimacy in the intervention group in three time periods (P &lt; 0.001), whereas in the control group, no significant difference was observed in the three time periods (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed that relationship enrichment counseling can increase intimacy and sexual function of couples.

Periodontal therapy on the oral health-related quality of life of obese and non-obese individuals.

Oral diseases such as periodontitis can have a more negative influence on the quality of life of obese than in normal-weight patients. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of one-stage full-mouth disinfection (OSFMD) therapy on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL) of obese and non-obese individuals with periodontitis. Fifty-five obese and thirty-nine non-obese patients were evaluated. The questionnaires oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP) and oral health and quality of life (OHQoL) were given to all patients at baseline and 6months after periodontal treatment by the OSFMD protocol. For statistical analysis, Chi-square, the two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA, and correlation tests were used. At baseline, mean global OHQoL and OIDP scores were similar for both groups (p > 0.05). At 6months, OSFMD resulted in OHQoL and OIDP global scores improvements in both groups (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between groups. The most impaired activity at baseline was eating and cleaning teeth for both groups. Periodontal parameters were associated with worse values in the OHQoL and OIDP questionnaires only in obese patients. In conclusion, OSFMD yielded similar improvements in overall OHRQL in both obese and non-obese individuals. Periodontal parameters were associated with a worse quality of life in obese patients. Periodontal treatment can be an important component to improve the OHRQL of obese individuals, and clinicians should expect similar results as those obtained with non-obese patients.

The effect of volunteer management mentoring program on mentors’ entrepreneurship tendency and leadership self-efficacy

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of participating in the Volunteer Management Mentoring Program on entrepreneurship tendency and leadership self-efficacy. The Volunteer Management Mentoring Program was created by UNICEF and conducted within the scope of the Social Sensitivity course taught at Kilis 7 Aralik University, Turkey. This research was designed as a semi-experimental study with pretest-posttest experiment and control groups. Entrepreneurship Scale and Leadership Self-Efficacy Scale were applied to the students in the experimental and control groups as pretest and posttest. While the students in the experimental group participated in the Volunteer Management Mentoring Program in the process; the students in the control group did not participate in any program. The study group was determined using the criterion sampling method and consisted of 26 university students studying at Kilis 7 Aralik University in the 2019-2020 academic year. 13 students were in the experimental group and 13 in the control group. Personal Information Form, Entrepreneurship Scale for University Students, and Leadership Self-Efficacy Scale were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using SPSS package program. Two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA technique was used in the analysis. The findings showed that mentor university students who participated in the Volunteer Management Mentoring Program increased their scores for the entrepreneurship scale after the program was completed. According to another finding, participation in the Volunteer Mentoring Management Program had no significant effect on the leadership self-efficacy scores of mentor students.

Gaze Analysis of Pianists’ Sight-reading: Comparison Between Expert Pianists and Students Training to Be Pianists

One of the most important skills for a pianist is sight-reading, which is the ability to read an unknown music score and play it. In recent years, research has analysed eye movement during sight-reading. However, the definition of sight-reading has varied. In addition, the participants enlisted as experts in most studies have been music college students. The present study aimed to compare eye movements during sight-reading between experts, teachers at a music college and pianists, and non-experts, music college students studying to become pianists, using an eye tracker. Using easy and difficult music scores for two-handed playing, we investigated whether there were differences in the number of eye fixations, fixation duration, and eye-hand span. The definition of sight-reading in this study is to read a novel music score once without playing the piano, and then to play it while looking at the music score. The results showed that the higher the piano performance rating, the longer the eye-hand span. Areas of interest (AOIs) were defined every two rows, including a treble and bass staff in each music score. We conducted a two-factor repeated measures ANOVA (group × AOI) for each dependent variable to analyse fixation count and fixation duration per eye fixation. There was a significant interaction for the fixation count between groups and AOIs both without and with performance in the difficult score. In experts, the number of eye fixations on the difficult part of difficult score increased compared with other part both without and with performances. By contrast, there was a significant interaction for the duration per eye fixation between groups and AOIs in easy score with performance. The duration per eye fixation in experts was shorter than that in non-experts in the easy score with performance. These results suggest that experts get information through short gaze fixations.

Effects of a Rhythmic-Play Exercise Program on Coordination in Preschool Children

This study was intended to clarify the effects of an exercise program emphasizing rhythmic play on different aspects of motor coordination in preschool children. Eighty preschoolers (46 four-year-olds, 34 five-year-olds) participated in the program for four weeks. Different components of coordination were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Coordination Field Test (CFT), a test battery developed by the Expert Committee on Coordination at Japan’s Research Center in Physical Education. Two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA detected no significant interactions between measurement time and preschool year. Preschool year (age) had significant main effects on children’s performance of a jump-over-crawl-under task (F = 27.45), a zigzag-run task (F = 10.03), and a side-stepping task (F = 15.97); measurement time had significant main effects only in the last two (F = 18.83, 158.84, respectively). The global improvements observed on the zigzag-run and side-stepping tasks reveal that this rhythmic-play exercise program influences coordination skills related to agility. Conversely, children start displaying a need for opportunities to acquire (fine-motor) coordination skills related to dexterity around the age of four. Altogether, our findings confirm that the rhythmic-play exercise program examined here can effectively improve different aspects of coordination in preschool children.